Roland's Blog

Find people to add to your Google Wave contact list

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:47:22 -0600

Are you using Google Wave ? Below are tips from Cheryl on adding friends to Google Wave.

Via Cheryl Johnson, Bob Taylor Properties, Inc., Los Angeles, CA:

In order to add someone as a contact in Google Wave, you must first know their wave address. There are two ways to find out someone's wave address:

1. Ask them :-)

2. Find them in a public wave, and click on their icon.

Try this: Search for public waves containing the keyword "activerain". Up in the search box type with:public activerain then click the search icon.

Click on the Wave titled ActiveRain Real Estate Network, to open the contents of the wave in the right panel.

Now look up at the icons of the wave participants at the top of the right panel. Click on the words, 5 more (or 10 more, or however many more) to see everyone's icon.

See anyone you know that you would like to add to your contact list? Click on their icon to see a mini-profile that includes the person's google wave address.

Now look down at your Contacts list in the left panel. Click on the plus sign to add a contact.

Copy and paste in the Google Wave address of your newly found friend. Click Submit.

Tip: Add your own Google Wave address to your contact list. Then you can add yourself as a participant in public waves when you feel so inclined.

Here's a previous post about adding contacts: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1324924/google-wave-step-one-is-add-some-contacts

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

New Fannie Mae Automated Underwriting (DU) Eligibility Changes.

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 22:43:52 -0600

Find out the changes for the new Fannie Mae Automated Underwriting. George gives us the details below.

Via George Souto (McCue Mortgage) FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages CT.:

Today Fannie Mae released Automated Underwriting (DU) Version 8.0 and these changes are bound to have a big impact especially on multi-family houses. Some of the changes included in this release are as follows:

Minimum FICO score 620 (was 580)

2 Unit Owner Occupied Property - maximum LTV 80% for purchase & rate/term refinance (was 90%)

2 Unit Owner Occupied Property - maximum LTV 75% for cash out refinance (was 85%)

2 Unit Investment Property - maximum LTV 75% for purchase & rate/term refinance (was 80%)

Unit Investment Property - maximum LTV 70% for cash out refinance (was 75%)

In addition to the eligibility changes listed above, the updated version (DU 8.0) will limit the maximum allowable total expense ratio to 45 percent, with flexibilities offered up to 50 percent for certain loan case files with strong compensating factors.

If current debts exceed the maximum allowable total expense ratio, the loan case file will receive an Ineligible recommendation. DU will no longer return a Refer recommendation on loan case files that would have otherwise received an Approval, but had exceeded the maximum allowable total expense ratio.

All new cases submitted to DU will now be scored with the 8.0 version and the new eligibility will be applied. New cases submitted prior to today will be scored with the current version DU 7.1 and will continue to score as DU 7.1 on subsequent submissions, however, loans using DU version 7.1 must close by February 12, 2010.

I would STRONGLY recommend that if you have run a Borrowers file through DU before today, and received an Approved/Eligible, but the Borrower has not gone under contract yet, that you run it through DU again. I am sure that there will be many Borrowers that received an Approved Eligible under version 7.1, that will no longer receive an Approved/Eligible under version 8. It would be a shame to have a Realtor that you partner with run around trying to find one of their Buyers a house, and the Buyer no longer qualifies.

If you are a Realtor or a Buyer I would again STRONGLY recommend that you contact the Loan Officer or Broker that you are working with and ask them to run your file(s) through DU to make sure that you have not been affected by this change.

******************************************************************************************************************

Info about the author:

George Souto is a Loan Officer who can assist you with all your FHA, CHFA, andConventional mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which includes Middletown, Middlefield, Durham, Cromwell, Portland, Higganum, Haddam, East Haddam, Chester, Deep River, and Essex. George can be contacted at (860) 573-1308 or gsouto@mccuemortgage.com

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Introducing the 2nd Edition of Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:19:05 -0600

Did you miss the Virtual Real Estate BarCamp ? Here is your chance to attend in January.

Via Real Estate Tomato (Real Estate Tomato):

We're Back!
Introducing the 2nd Edition of Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

Our first event was such a success, we decided to parlay the momentum into the launch of another.

January 4th - 9am until 4pm PST
9 Hours, 28 Incredible Speakers, 1000s of Attendees!

It's Free!

What Is Virtual BarCamp?
How Do I Register?
Who Is Speaking (To be determined)
How Can I Sponsor?

In an effort to always improve, we have made some changes to the event format:

There will be 4 Webinar Rooms (previously there were just 3 rooms).
Presentations will be 45 minutes in length (previously they were 30 mins).
Total number of Speakers: 28 (we had 27 last event).
Each Webinar Room will have its own accompanying Live Chat Room (previously there was just one).
Session Topics will be chosen by our Registered Attendees (last time it was first come first serve).
Session Presenters will be selected by us (last time it was first come first serve).
Sessions will be recorded (we were unable to record last time).

We have boosted our goals for the event as well:

Registered Attendees: 3000 (previous: 1000, actual 1928)
In-Office Events: 100 (previous: 40, actual: 71)
In-Real-Life MeetUps: 50 (previous: 20, actual: n/a)
Number of Sponsors: 15 (previous: 10, actual: 13)

We have a new website: www.VirtualBarCamp.com

Just because we hold virtual, online events doesn’t mean that we can’t create an incredibly social community. One of the best aspects of the BarCamp atmosphere is the ability to connect, network, meet and mingle. We took this into great consideration as we planned out the architecture and user experience of our new website.

The tighter the community, the greater opportunity we all have to learn, network and teach. Get involved by involving others!

If you have any other suggestions on how we can improve on our first effort, please let us know!

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Introducing the 2nd Edition of Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:17:30 -0600

Did you miss the Virtual Real Estate BarCamp ? Here is your chance to attend in January.

Via Real Estate Tomato (Real Estate Tomato):

We're Back!
Introducing the 2nd Edition of Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

Our first event was such a success, we decided to parlay the momentum into the launch of another.

January 4th - 9am until 4pm PST
9 Hours, 28 Incredible Speakers, 1000s of Attendees!

It's Free!

What Is Virtual BarCamp?
How Do I Register?
Who Is Speaking (To be determined)
How Can I Sponsor?

In an effort to always improve, we have made some changes to the event format:

There will be 4 Webinar Rooms (previously there were just 3 rooms).
Presentations will be 45 minutes in length (previously they were 30 mins).
Total number of Speakers: 28 (we had 27 last event).
Each Webinar Room will have its own accompanying Live Chat Room (previously there was just one).
Session Topics will be chosen by our Registered Attendees (last time it was first come first serve).
Session Presenters will be selected by us (last time it was first come first serve).
Sessions will be recorded (we were unable to record last time).

We have boosted our goals for the event as well:

Registered Attendees: 3000 (previous: 1000, actual 1928)
In-Office Events: 100 (previous: 40, actual: 71)
In-Real-Life MeetUps: 50 (previous: 20, actual: n/a)
Number of Sponsors: 15 (previous: 10, actual: 13)

We have a new website: www.VirtualBarCamp.com

Just because we hold virtual, online events doesn’t mean that we can’t create an incredibly social community. One of the best aspects of the BarCamp atmosphere is the ability to connect, network, meet and mingle. We took this into great consideration as we planned out the architecture and user experience of our new website.

The tighter the community, the greater opportunity we all have to learn, network and teach. Get involved by involving others!

If you have any other suggestions on how we can improve on our first effort, please let us know!

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Please Leave! 5 Reason's to Hit the Road when your House is being Shown

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:15:17 -0600

As said by Annie... Homeowners, please leave when your home is being shown to a buyer.

Via Annie Holdreith (Daniel Gale Sotheby's International):

If you have your home listed for sale and I show up with a potential buyer...please leave! Go for a walk with dog, take the mail up to to the corner or go for a ride in your car. Nothing shortens up the time a prospective buyer(s) will spend in a home than the homeowners being home...even the quiet ones who sit in the den and try to blend in with the proverbial woodwork (and you know who you are!)

I feel strongly about this. What happens to the buyer when the owner is home? I have witnessed a few things happen:

1.Buyers suddenly feel like interlopers into someone else's daily living and want to get out quickly.

Fact: You want prospects to linger and absorb all the home has to offer. It is human nature to feel rushed if you think someone is waiting for you to leave. Also, remember they are there to see the house. You and your family going about your routine are distracting.

2. You might be pointing out objections without even realizing it.

Fact: All of you piled into the den might just be showing off how small the den really is.  Some houses are small. The less people in them at a showing the better.

3. You might be saying something that can turn the buyer off or give them a reason to start deducting money off the asking price.

Fact: Something that doesn't bother you, might bother the buyer. Pointing out that the neighbors have 3 big dogs may not appeal to everyone.   And when you see the buyer's expression change, please don't add that only one dog bites.

4. If you are home, you will be asked "Why are you moving?"

Fact: Your circumstances for moving do not have to be shared.  You don't need to tell the family of 4 looking at the house that you are moving because the house is too small for a family of 4. One man's small is another man's big. The question is being asked to gage your motivation and to set up a price negotiation.

5. You may telegraph too much with your body language and demeanor.

Fact: In this market, buyers are looking for reasons to negotiate the price down. If you appear anxious or nervous they might sense that. Don't be shocked when they make a low offer because without knowing it, you looked like you wanted out of the house by sundown. And, vice versa, if you look too non-chalant that can be misconstrued to mean you are not serious about selling.

I could go on, but I think you get the idea. So, be prepared. Put all your valuables in the safe deposit box prior to listing to alleviate any security issues. Then when you get a call for a showing, make the beds, get the dishes in the dishwasher and take the dog(s), cats and the kids out with you. Let the agent show your home and its features and let the buyer visualize themselves living there. Tell the agent to take their time with the showing and to just call or text you when they are done. By inconveniencing yourself, you just might help sell your home faster and for more money!

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

The Top Five Things "A Charlie Brown Christmas" Can Teach Us About Real Estate

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:10:58 -0600

Great story from Nancy

Via Nancy Milton REALTOR/GRI GoshenRealtyGroup.com (RE/MAX Preferred Partners in St.Louis' Illinois suburbs):

As I was re-watching"A Charlie Brown Christmas" (ACBC) this season, it struck me that the terrific life lessons contained in this beloved holiday special could easily apply to those of us who work in real estate -- especially during a year of recession.

1.) MAYBE SMALLER IS BETTER. Charlie Brown's sad little Christmas tree was reviled and then revived with love, faith and a warm, blue blanket. The Peanuts gang understood that -- like a home -- its size didn't matter. In real estate, I am noticing more of my clients embracing smaller homes -- both existing homes and new construction. Maybe its the financial lessons of this recession or the lack of time in their lives to care for an oversized residence, but the drive for bigger and bigger McMansions seems to have lessened. Nationally, according to census data, the average size of a new home fell in 2008 for the first time since 1990 and that trend is expected to continue when figures come out for 2009.

2.) SET IT TO MUSIC. ACBC is set to one of the all-time best soundtracks ever created thanks to the genius of Vince Guaraldi. His trio -- playing piano, bass and drums -- created a jazzy, atmospheric groove that almost didn't make it to air when CBS thought a jazz soundtrack wasn't appropriate for children. (Remember, this was 1965.) If you're selling your home this season, think about leaving this soundtrack on softly for showings or open houses. It's guaranteed to create a warm feeling in potential buyers who are taking a look at your place. Music that will appeal to a wide range of people is always a great idea in the background in any season. Select the Smooth Jazz or Singers & Standards channel from the cable or satellite sytem for example.

3.) EVERYONE WANTS SOME REAL ESTATE. Feeling blue over the commercialization of Christmas and his inability to get into the spirit, Charlie Brown visits Lucy in her lemonade stand psychiatry office. She agrees that it's hard to celebrate the season when she just gets a bunch of dumb toys for presents. What does she really want? Real estate. It's true. The buying and selling of real estate will always be with us. However, the market downturn has shown us that it's the market-priced homes in good condition (like Snoopy's decorated dog house) that will sell. Sellers, if your home has sat on the market for longer than the average time it takes to sell a comparable property, have your agent examine the price against the last three months of comp sales. You may be overpriced for your market, your home's condition or your location. If you're in-between agents or selling by yourself and need a professional, impartial price opinion, give me a call. Buyers, keep in mind that a "Buyer's Market" doesn't mean that you can aquire any home at any time for a penny on the dollar or a lowball offer. It does mean that you can get a good home at a good price based on recent comparable sales. (And right now you also can get it at near-record low interest rates and with a federal tax credit.) The market dictates what a house is worth and every market is different.

4.) TAKE CARE OF YOUR FAITHFUL PET. In various Charlie Brown cartoons, Snoopy and his bird pal Woodstock play hockey on a frozen water bowl. Don't let your furry friend's water turn into a skating pond. Please make sure your pets are brought into a warm and safe place during the chill of winter or the heat of next summer. If your house is on the market, please leave instructions regarding your pets for agents who will be showing your home. Kennel dogs prior to a showing, make sure cat litter boxes are clean and pick up pet toys. Sellers, if you can take the animals and their things with you during a showing, it may help your home appeal to a broader ranger of potential buyers who might not love Fido and Fluffy as much as you do.

5.) EXAMINE THE TRUE MEANING OF HAPPINESS. In ACBC, Linus reminds the kids about the true meaning of Christmas by simply and beautifully quoting scripture from the Book of Luke. In real estate we can take these messages to heart as well. Buyers: Don't expect a new house to make you happy. A new house will give you a warm place that meets your location and structural needs. Then you get to put friends, family, faith, pets and love inside to create a home that will bring true happiness. Sellers, your family home may have given you years of service, but it is just a shell without you and your family and friends inside. Your real home will be wherever you are moving next, so let go of the anxiety and embrace the change whether you're faced with downsizing, rightsizing, upsizing or moving across the country.

Have a wonderful, merry season and don't forget to pop in the DVD or Blue Ray of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" to enhance your holidays.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

About the Author: Nancy Milton, GRI, is a REALTOR with the GoshenRealtyGroup at RE/MAX Preferred Partners in Edwardsville, Illinois. She and Kristina Pratt help their customers buy and sell homes and investment properties in St. Louis' Illinois suburbs with special emphasis on homes for sale in Madison County and the communities of Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Collinsville, Troy, Bethalto and surrounding areas.

Goshen Realty Group takes its name from the earliest nickname for Madison County, Illinois -- the Land of Goshen -- coined when the region's first settlers compared their new home east of the Mississippi River to the biblical land of peace and plenty.

For more information, visit GoshenRealtyGroup.com or e-mail Nancy at Nancy@GoshenRealtyGroup.com. Text or call Nancy at 618-791-8007. REMAX Preferred Partners is located at One 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL 62025.

Please note that individual listings periodically mentioned in this blog are accurately described in terms of availability and price at the time of the posting. Because properties are constantly coming on and off the market, please contact Nancy for the latest information on those that are of particular interest to you.

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Inspecting Water Heaters - Part 1

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:50:41 -0600

What to look for on the water heater when buying a new home. Below Michael shares a tip to know if you may want to consider negotiating for a new one when making an offer on your next home.

Via Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.):

Inspecting Water Heaters - Part 1

Water heaters are one of those modern conveniences that most folks take for granted. That is, until something goes wrong. As Murphy's Law would have it, this will be the major appliance that will head south shortly after moving into your new home. This often becomes a major bone of contention when dealing with home warranty companies.

The serial plate reveals a lot of information, if you know how to read it. The serial number reveals the age. This water heater was manufactured 7/99 and is 10 years old. The capacity is 40 gallons, it is electric, but the major item to notice is the big number 6. This tells the consumer and the inspector that the tank has a 6 year rust-through life expectancy. After that, how lucky do you feel? For the most part, this should tell you and your clients that this unit is at the end of its serviceable life. This information needs to be in the inspection report so that your client can budget for eventual replacement. This will also be very useful for any warranty claims against the home warranty company.

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

New Ustream Mobile App~ Using this New Technology to Enhance Your Real Estate Business

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:37:40 -0600

Have you heard about the new USTREAM app for the iPhone and the Droid ? Jeremy gives the details below.

Via Jeremy Blanton ActiveRain Corp. (ActiveRain Corp.):

Today was a rather exciting day as I heard about Ustream releasing a new Mobile iPhone App for the iPhone & the Droid. So what is this new Ustream Mobile app, & what is mobile streaming? Well, Mobile streaming is the ability to do a live video feed straight from your mobile phone. This is huge & exciting new technology for us in the real estate industry. What this new Ustream Mobile App does, is allows you to transform your basic iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, or Droid smart phone into a live video streaming machine.

The app works really easy & with just a few simple clicks of a button, you are now able to share live video feeds with the world. Since the Ustream Mobile App is created by the makers of Ustream.tv, it also allows you to use their other great features. Which means you can create video & instantly feed it to your Facebook Page, Twitter Account & also to YouTube. The best part of all, is that the Ustream Mobile App, is totally free!

Here are my top features of the Ustream Mobile app:

Uploads straight from phone to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, & Ustream

Integrates the Ustream chat right onto phone while doing live streams.

Allows video to now be recorded on iPhone 3G without needing to "jailbreak" phone.

Save videos to be uploaded later when you are not in a 3G or wifi area.

Ustream Mobile app is free!

So how could the Ustream Mobile App be used to enhance your Real Estate Business? Here are a few ways you might find this type of program useful:

Showing property to buyers who are not in town. You can use your phone to show the property, answer their questions & also show them first hand what the property looks like. So, if the buyer wants to know what color the cabinets are, you can walk into the kitchen & show them the cabinets in a live stream.

Updating a Seller on the Condition of their Property. Especially as we go into the winter season, there are times where you have an emergency with a home that you need to share with the seller immediately to make a decision. I remember one time we had a home where we had a very cold day & a pipe inside the wall had broken. I wish I had something like this to show the seller quickly so we could make a quick decision & save their first floor. Unfortunately, this type of software was not available then, and the first floor ended up needing to be completely redone.

Share Special events with Friends & Family. How many times do you wish you had the ability to share a special moment in video format with friends & family on your Facebook Page? The Ustream Mobile App allows you to do such a thing really easily.

There are tons of other great ways that you could use the Ustream Mobile App. So what do the videos look like from the Ustream Mobile App on an iPhone 3G? Here is a short video I did as a test to see how it worked. While the video quality isn't the highest possible, it is fairly decent & the audio is very good. Take a moment & watch:

Download the Ustream Mobile App for iPhone
New Ustream Mobile App~ Using this New Technology to Enhance Your Real Estate Business
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

New Standardized Good Faith Estimate Effective January 1 2010

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:32:59 -0600

And it won't be long. Loreena shows the break down on the new Good Faith Estimate that will be used starting January 1, 2010

Via Loreena Yeo - Broker|Realtor(R) of www.Frisco-TX-Homes.com (214) 783-2210 (3:16 team REALTY):

For the longest time, there was no standardization in good faith estimates presented by Lenders when a loan application is made by a borrower. No standarization here means some lenders disclose a variety of information on the previous GFE while others do not disclose at all. In efforts to facilitate a better shopping experience for the consumers, HUD requires all lenders use the new standardized format for Good Faith Estimates effective January 1 2010.

At first glance, the standardized format of the Good Faith Estimate is easy to read, understand and digest by the average borrower.

The summary of the loan is displayed on the 1st page with answers about the loan such as:

(1) Can your interest rate rise? (Indicates if it is an adjustable rate mortgage)
(2) Even if you make payments on time, can the loan balance rise? (Indicates if it is a negative amortization loan)
(3) Even if you make payments on time, can your monthly amount rise? (Indicates if the account is escrowed or not)
(4) Does the loan have a pre-payment penalty?
(5) Does the loan have a balloon payment?

Lenders are held to a higher standard of accountability with the use of the standardized Good Faith Estimate. "Good faith" in the past will now be more of certainty, especially when it comes to the Lender charges. HUD requires that Lenders be sure to know how much they intend to charge their borrowers based on the information the borrowers provided.

The new Good Faith Estimate also utilize the Lump & Dump concept whereby HUD feels that the borrowers have been provided too much information in the previous good faith estimates. Items "A" on Page 2 of the GFE includes all origination charges. They are no longer broken down into Loan Origination Fee, Processing Fees, Tax Service Fee, Funding, Lender Feeds, Doc Prep Fees, Broker Yield Spread Premium, etc. Only information that could affect the loan is broken down into 2nd part of "A". According to HUD, the "bottom line" numbers is what the consumers care about.

This section of the Good Faith Estimate must be the same (ie. Zero Tolerance for differences) and borrowers can expect them to be the same on the HUD-1 settlement statement - if the terms and conditions of the loan are the same. Should there be a difference, HUD considers this Breached Tolerance and this breach will be cured with a credit at the closing table or writing a check to the borrower within 30 days of closing.

This brings Lenders to more accountability towards the accuracy of their good faith estimates to their clients. It is a good thing.

Other considerations could be expected should there be changed circumstances on these No Tolerance items above (ie. Lender charges). A changed circumstance may include acts of God, war, disaster, new information not known by the Lender, other information found not to be inaccurate.

There are other charges associated in purchasing the property. These items are found as part of "B" on page 2 of the GFE.

The similar lump & dump concept for Title charges in Section 3, 4, 5 and 6. These charges can deviate up to 10% on the HUD-1 statement - assuming that the borrowers services identified by the Lender. The total of these charges of page 2 on the GFE constitutes the "B" total.

Along with the "A" total and "B" total, these costs add up to make the Total Estimated Settlement/ Closing Costs. However, this is NOT to be confused with Cash Needed for Settlement. Items A and B DOES NOT account for Seller's concessions, property tax and HOA prorations, etc.

Page 3 of the Good Faith Estimate is also known as the "finishing touches" for the loan. It gives borrowers instructions on what cannot be increased at settlement, what may increase up to 10% and what could potentially subject to change.

There is also a tradeoff table for borrowers to see the various choices as provided by the same lender. Same loan with lower settlement charges or same loan with lower interest rates.

Last but not least, the GFE also provides a section to allow borrowers to compare various loan offers in the Shopping Chart section.

The use of the form is MANDATORY. In the past, lenders have created their own formats and some not providing one at all. The new rules as directed by RESPA must be furnished to borrowers:

Within 3 days of loan application.
A loan application is deemed taken by a lender with the borrowers' names, social security numbers, incomes, estimate purchase value, loan amount, other information deemed necessary by lender and property address.
This form must only be utilized if there is a specific property address.
While home buyers have used the GFE to shop for lenders, they could no longer do that. Without a property address, the industry believes that lenders will come up with "preliminary" GFEs without the actual property address.

Without 10 days of GFE issuance.
The GFE will be good for 10 days after the borrower receives it. The borrower MUST express an intent to proceed with the terms and conditions of the loan based on the GFE provided within 10 days business. After 10 business days, the lender is no longer bound by the issued GFE.

This is HUD's effort in facilitating consumer comparison shopping of Lenders. It is not the most perfect version out there but it is a much simpler method for an average consumer to understand. What this new GFE does not address is it does not specify the loan product (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) and it also does not inform the borrower the actual monthly payments in Principal, Interest, Property Taxes and Home Insurance (PITI). It only addresses the Principal, Interest and Mortgage Insurance (if applicable). The lender may furnish these information on other documents.

Download the new GFE here.

Related Articles:

How to Compare Lenders and Good Faith Estimates

Mortgage Interest Rates Spiked Higher Than Normal

100% Home Loans

Time Value of Money in Closing Costs

Myths about Tax Assessments vs. Property Values

*********************************************************************************************

All contents are original. Consider subscribing to my blog for more real estate commentaries.

Subscribe via Email if you are not an Active Rain member here.

Contact:

Loreena Yeo
Realtor®/ Broker of 3:16 team REALTY
(214) 783-2210
loreena@loreenayeo.com

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Copyright © 2009 by Loreena Yeo (3:16 team REALTY)
Originally posted on New Standardized Good Faith Estimate Effective January 1 2010.

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

RainCamp™ Platinum Access Passes & Upcoming Dates

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:28:49 -0600

YEAH !!! Comment # 20. Brad says NASHVILLE, TN is on the list for RainCamp ! Date to come soon.

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):

First, I want to extend a sincere and heartfelt thanks to ALL of you who made the Seattle and SF RainCamps™ a total success. Without the support and participation from you, none of these events would have been possible. Bob, Ben and I, (and the AR staff) are humbled by the many comments, emails, and even calls we've received, Thank you!! It looks like our next stop will be in New York City, with Inman Connect. We're very excited to be coming out to the East Coast. Are You Ready??

"I am usually skeptical about the "seminars." I was not sure i wanted to be pummeled by vendors. Who does? RainCamp was not a seminar but a super workshop where we were never bombarded with "buy this" or "for just $199..." A hardy thank you for the straight forward, down to earth, hands on approach of RainCamp SF. My head is spinning from the great material and the call to look forward to change and embrace social media." Jeff Pereyda

The RainCamp™ Annual Platinum Access Pass

We are introducing the 'Platinum Access Pass' a level of participation that will give those willing to pay full price for RainCamp™ increased access and benefits during the event and for ALL future RainCamp™ events throughout the year. We will be offering the 'Platinum' access passes for $179/person. This means you could attend each and every event for the price of a single admission. The pass will also include additional values and benefits to "pass" holders.

We will continue to offer a limited amount of "donation based" tickets as the ActiveRain culture has always been inclusive in nature. Donation tickets are based what you can afford, but will also be limited to certain seating arrangements and other restrictions. Our number one goal at these events is to give back to the industry, and to promote cutting edge technology and best business practices.

(Platinum Access passes available now, Donation tickets become available as each event is announced)

"Raincamp was phenomenal from start to finish. The room was packed full of eager participants and outstanding presenters. There wasn't a moment the entire day that they lost my attention - not even after lunch! I highly recommend that that you attend the RainCamp nearest you in 2010." Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Annual Platinum Access Pass Includes:

VIP Entry to any and all RainCamp™ Events in 2010

Receive the Platinum RainCamp™ Supporter Badge at RainCamp

Hosted VIP Lunch at RainCamp™ w/ActiveRain CEO Jonathan Washburn & RainCamp™ Speakers

Get Reserved Platinum seating in the front of the room with table, wi-fi, and power (if available at venue)

Sport your RainCamp™ T-shirt (exclusive for Platinum supporters)

Receive your Premium RainCamp™ tote with "surprise giveaways" (no cracker jack toys)

SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times - Limited Edition HardCover Book by Gary Keller

First right to be part of an exclusive "30 Day Accountability" follow-up program by Local Coordinators

A Personal Invitation to VIP after party, including Drink Ticket and Appetizer, for each event

Get the Latest cutting edge social media instruction e-book by Ben Kinney and Jay Papasan

Earn the Platinum RainCamp™ Supporter Badge for your profile or Blog

"RAINCAMP... The best ROI EVER Received from a one day conference!" Valesca Bogard

Read more RainCamp™ Comments Here: http://search.twitter.com/search?q=raincamp

RainCamp™ UpComing Tour Dates and Locations

January 12th - New York
January 27th - Orange County
February 4th - Dallas
March 2-4 - Las Vegas (date to be confirmed)
March 18th - Chicago
March 22nd - Orlando
April 8th - San Diego
May 11th - Washington DC

We'll announce the locations of each event once venues are confirmed and secured.

RainCamp™ - "Because the way we do business has changed!" Find Out More at RainCamp.com





"RainMaker" Special - Signup Here and Get New Member Discount
RainCamp™ - "Because The Way We Do Business Online Has Changed!"

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Clarksville Christmas Parade: 2009 Winners

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:49:54 -0600

The Clarksville Christmas Parade sponsored by the Clarksville Jaycees was held on Saturday December 6, 2009 in Downtown Clarksville. With over 100 float entires there were alot for the judges to pick the 2009 winners.

Each float had to have lots of lights so they would be seen as this was another night time parage. The Clarksville Jaycees continues to do a great job hosting the Clarksville Christmas Parade as they have done for many years past.

<--- Float enterd by Exit Realty Clarksville

And the Winners of the 2009 Clarksville Christmas Parade are:

Commercial Division

1st Place: Kennedy Law Firm

2nd Place: The Dance Force of Clarksville

3rd Place: Kiddie College

Civic/Church Division

1st Place: Northeast Baptist Church

2nd Place: Cub Scout Pack 509

3rd Place: Cub Scout Pack 503

Corporate Division

1st Place: Convergys

2nd Place: Exit Realty

Chairman's Choice

Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Let's Hope Short Sales Become More Timely

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:17 -0600

Will the new guidelines help stream line short sale approvals ? Dawn tells us how this could be possible.

Via Dawn Uselding Short Sale Negotiator (A New Dawn Real Estate Services, LLC):

Well, 21 hours ago The U.S. Treasury set the long-awaited guide lines on a plan for mortgage companies to speed up "short sales" of homes to stem a rising tide of foreclosures. These guide lines address the problems that have often caused Realtors, buyers and sellers to avoid short sales. The new guidelines will set limits on the time it takes a bank to approve an offer. Mortgage servicers will have 10 days to approve or disapprove a request for short sale, and when done the transaction must fully release the borrower from the debt.

It also prohibits mortgage servicing companies from reducing real estate commissions on the sale. This is great news for all those hard working Realtors who have spent months and months on a short sale only to have their commission cut to 3% or 4% to finally close.

The financial incentives for completing short sales will include a $1,000 payment to servicers, and a $1,000 payment to investors who sign off on payments to subordinate lien holders. The Borrowers can also get up to$1,500 in relocation reimbursements.

But the one I like best is that the guide lines caps the aggregate proceeds to subordinate lien holders at $3,000. I have seen to many short sales tanked by greedy 2nd's who think they have the 1st over a barrel. I just closed on a short sale where the 2nd (Chase) wanted 10k on a 20K note. Can you say GREEDY. They actual got 7K, with both Realtors and myself having to kick in over 5K to get the deal done. This was the 4rd buyer on this property. The previous 3 all walked ... BUT THAT IS ANOTHER STORY FOR ANOTHER BLOG.

I myself am going to be eagerly waiting to see how quickly these guidelines are implemented and actually impact the time line of your typical short sale.

Hopefully

Dawn Uselding

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Extreme Makeover Home Edition: Scott Family to air December 6, 2009

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 23:08:58 -0600

It's hard to believe that just a few short weeks ago Extreme Makeover Home Edition was here in Clarksville (Woodlawn ) Tennessee.

Next Sunday: December 6, 2009 - Extreme Makeover Home Edition Episode 713 will day many have waited for to see the finished product of our hard work on the Scott Family home in Woodlawn, TN. Many of the Volunteers will gather for the viewing party to see the show.

There were so many people to took time away from their own families and their jobs to come together to help build the Scott family their new home.

I would like to say THANK YOU to all the many people who gave their time. This is a massive project that takes many hours of planning and around the clock work to actually pull it off as Ty Pennington and the family yell out.... MOVE THAT BUS.

Be sure to watch next Sunday to see the Extreme Makeover Home Edition: Scott Family Episode 713.

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Speechless Sunday: Jesus Loves You THIS MUCH !

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:22:54 -0600

Jesus Loves You THIS MUCH !

This is a billboard along U.S. Highway 79 in Dover, TN. ( Between Clarksville, TN and Paris, TN ) heading in towards Clarksville. This billboard truly says it all. What else is there to say ?

This message is there for all to see driving along this stretch of road.

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Speechless Sunday: High in the Sky

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:05:31 -0600

Yesterday while I was out working Home Retention files, the Moon was shining high in the sky around 2:30 PM. The view of the moon between the power lines was to good to pass up.

This photo was taken in Goodlettsville, Tennessee on Saturday November 28, 2009. Nearly a full moon early in the afternoon while the sun was so blinding at the same time.

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Digital City opens in Clarksville Tennessee

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:17:09 -0600

Just in time for Black Friday, Digital Cityopens in Clarksville Tennessee. Digital City is located inside the old Circut City location in front of Governors Square Mall just off I-24 Exit 4.

The retail sales floor at Digital Cityis much larger and offers a wide variety of electronics, appliances and car stereo equipment, cameras and the list goes on. Soon they will offer computer repair as well.

Be sure to stop in and check out Digital City. Alex and the other sales staff are ready to assist you with your questions and of course your purchases too.

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Sad but True - Suicidal Turkey in Sussex County NJ the day before Thanksgiving

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:29:54 -0600

Had to share Irene's story of the suicidal turkey. Would love to have listened in on this call.

Via Irene Kennedy Sussex County NJ Realtor® (Weichert):

Where I live in Hamburg, Sussex County NJ, we rarely go a day without seeing a wild turkey.

This morning - the day before Thanksgiving - Chip made an early morning dash to the supermarket while I answered real estate emails and was getting set to blog. CRASH! The house shook. In fact, it sounded and felt like Chip had backed his SUV into a not-yet-fully-opened garage door. But he wasn't home.

Looking around the house, I found a sorry sight. One of the wild turkeys had flown into the side of our home and wasn't going to recover. Although they can't fly far, these fowl can fly very fast for a short time.

It was a sad thing. But, the "black humor" aspect didn't elude me.

Had the turkey read my recent post that our community won't be Active Adult much longer?

Was it facing being someone's dinner tomorrow?

Slated to host the in-laws for Thanksgiving?

Chip got home and thought I was nuts but I did call our non-emergency police number, which is how Animal Control is contacted in Hamburg. We were prepared to dispose of the turkey but I envisioned being busted for poaching. Yes, I identified myself and said, "I know the day before Thanksgiving this will sound like a joke, but a turkey just killed itself by flying into the side of my home." When the dispatcher stopped laughing, she logged my call so there would be no poaching charges.

I know you think I'm kidding:

So, I'm adding to my "thankful list" that I wasn't this turkey and that the CRASH wasn't Chip's SUV backing into the garage door (a second time)!

Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.

Considering selling a home or looking to buy one around Sussex County NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.

Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Sussex County & works from the Hamburg office. Her primary market includes: Augusta, Branchville, Crystal Springs, Frankford, Franklin, Hamburg, Hampton, Hardyston, Highland Lakes, Lake Mohawk, Newton, Ogdensburg, Scenic Lakes, Sparta, Stockholm, Sussex, Vernon, Wantage.

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Happy Thanksgiving: Turkey Tips

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:12:27 -0600

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect back at your many blessings. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect at all the things you have to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is a time to share with friends and family.

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Ever stoped and wondered how long to keep the turkey in the over ?

Here is a Thanksgiving Turkey Tip card for you.

* This is a postcard from one of my subscription accounts EPS/SA

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Grandmama's House of Preschool and Child Development host Thanksgiving play and pot luck dinner

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:40:05 -0600

Tonight Grandmama's House of Preschool and Child Development on Tiny Town Rd hosted their Thanksgiving play and pot luck dinner.

The children did a great job on their Thanksgiving play. It was great to see them all doing their rolls with the scripts and songs. They have worked so hard on this over the past month. The back drop and the costumes were great. The teachers at Grandmama's House of Preschool and Child Developement are awesome with the children.

After the play was over, we had a great pot luck dinner where the parents brought in all types of great food. I don't think anyone went home hungary. Jeff and Bridget also provided the great BBQ from the Swine & Dine.

If you are looking for a great place for your child to learn and socialize with other children, Grandmama's House is a great place. They have 3 locations for you to choose from. This is more than a day care center. This is actually a Preschool and Child Development Center.

Happy Thanksgiving !

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

How To Use ScribeFire to Enhance Your ActiveRain Blog Posts

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:09:16 -0600

Looking for a great ad on for publishing your blog post ? If you are using Mozilla Firefox, Brad has a great option for us.. Read below for more details.

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):

How To Use ScribeFire to Enhance Your ActiveRain Blog Posts

Scribefire.com is a great 3rd party add-on to the Mozilla Firefox Browser. Lately, the emails and calls have been coming in about how to setup AR Blogs, get API's, and how to use Scribefire with ActiveRain Blog posts. First off, the reason I mention Scribefire is that it is one of the few third party apps I have found that works well and doesn't conflict with the AR Network HTML format.

Really Important

Some members on AR use MS Word, Publisher, Front Page and other sources which often times (but not always) has hidden HTML codes, tables, and formatting that is incompatible with ActiveRain. You've seen them, you know the ones, these are the posts that show funky looking codes, push the sidebar half way down the page, and make Blogs look like "you know what" when they load on your computer screen.

Why Use Scribefire?

Though the AR Blog Post editor may seem somewhat simplified and to some, a bit archaic, it still does a great job for creating great text content, adding images, photos and links, and producing search engine friendly creations. However there are many who want to customize and create larger fonts, add color to their fonts, use a different style of font etc. This is where Scribefire does a great job and works well with AR.

THE MAIN REASON FOR POSTING THIS

Where most of our members get hung up is when downloading Scribefire as their Firefox add-on. Somewhere in the process, Scribefire asks for your Blog URL, API, and other information that IS NOT NECESSARY to begin using the Scribefire tools on ActiveRain. The requested and "perceived as required" information is ONLY for use on Blogging Platforms where you plan to use ScribeFire as the total replacement tool for creating your Blog posts. IE: Wordpress, Blogger, Self-Hosted Blogs etc. NOT ON ACTIVERAIN.

Here's the Scoop on How It Works

Go to Scribefire.com, download it and add to your Firefox Browser. BYPASS all the additional questions and other stuff they want you to enter. (unless you are using scribefire on another blogging platform) To begin using the Scribefire tools and options, just press the "hotkeys" FUNCTION + F8 while in the edit mode of a Blog post, and the Scribefire Window (shown below) will open up in the lower section of your computer screen. Now you will have two areas to work in, your AR Blog post, and the Scribefire editing window.

Create your text, change your font color, select a larger sized font, use a variety of different style fonts, have a field day, and when you're done, just highlight the section you've created in the Scribefire window, copy it (CTRL+C) and then paste it into your AR Blog post body (CTRL+V) You can do this using the ActiveRain WYSIWYG tab. Save your post in "draft" mode to be sure everything looks just as you want it, then make the necessary changes you want before making your post public.

DISCLAIMER.. I mean Warning.. NO... A QUICK TIP!

One thing to be careful of is that you don't go CRAZY with Font Colors and sizes. Sometimes the colored fonts and multiple sized text can make your Blog Post hard to read and unpleasing to the eye. Yellow font colors are difficult to read, Big Fonts can take away from the message in the little fonts, and multi-colored Blog post (for some) can and will cause nausea. (IMO)

SUMMARY and PURPOSE

The Scribefire add-on tools will allow you to enhance your AR Blog posts to your liking, give you a bit more versatility, and keep the AR network and your Blog clean of those Hidden and incompatible HTML codes. Many of these outside third party apps can and will make Blogs on AR look like "you know what" and frustrate AR members beyond your wildest imagination. I'm not kidding, you should see and hear some of the emails and calls I get. lol~ NOT!! :-)

Scribefire
For my next trick, we'll look at how to insert iFrames and tables into your Blog post without completely blowing out your Blog. This is one of the more common errors I see on ActiveRain by members that not only affects your AR Blog, but does even worse things to your Localism and Outside Blogs.

"RainMaker" Special - Signup Here and Get New Member Discount
RainCamp™ - "Because The Way We Do Business Online Has Changed!"

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:56:55 -0600

How do you identify a U.S. Census worker at your front door ? Larry tells us about advice from the BBB.

Via Larry Bettag - Cherry Creek Mortgage:

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cautious. The major concern is that individuals don't become a victim of fraud or identity theft.

The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, cre dit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, the Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit http://www.bbb.org/.
Larry Bettag - Regional Vice President, Midwest Region

Illinois FHA Specialist

630-417-7172

An Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

What Is RainCamp™

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:11:55 -0600

So you ask... What is RainCamp ? Active Brad explains below...

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):

What Is Real Estate RainCamp™

Real Estate RainCamp™ is a full day Conference/Seminar that is packed with valuable content, presentations, and some of the most useful and applicable ideas and processes that you can implement immediately into your Social Media, Networking, Blogging Strategy, and Business Plan. RainCamp™ was created and developed for anyone in the Real Estate Industry looking for successful methods and tools to maximize and grow their online business in today's Modern Day Real Estate Market. RainCamp™ is a National Event now touring the Country.

Modern Day Real Estate Marketing

How do you stack up in the modern Real Estate Market

Find out where you rank before we kick off the day. How does your social profile rate against your neighbor? How can you expand that presence and create connections that are meaningful in a professional manner? Understanding where you are is the only way to figure out where you need to go.

Search Engine Marketing

Learn how to target consumers that are MUCH closer to buying than an average Internet lead

Advertising is undergoing a radical transformation. As advertising dollars make an exodus from print to online marketing, do you know how to position your advertising budget to get the most impact out of each dollar? As most of your potential clients go online to make purchase decisions, knowing how to target them in the places they reside will be instrumental in ensuring they do business with you.

Converting Leads Into Closings

"Ten Days of Pain" lead conversion method - allows you to convert Internet leads efficiently

Understand Pay-Per-Click advertising and how you can get leads cheap and effectively. It's one thing to learn how to drive traffic to your site, it's entirely different to actually convert that traffic into a commission. Learn the regiment required to get industry leading conversions with the prospects on your website. There is no reason the leads on your site should be treated like the rest of the industry treats theirs. Resolve to do something different.

Social Media Networking and Marketing

Discover what works and what doesn't work using the New Social Media Movement

Learn how to use Social Media to obtain a competitive edge in your market place. Gain an understanding of sites like FaceBook, Twitter, and others, and how you can incorporate them into your business plan to connect with and earn more clients.

Real World Social Media Success Stories - LOCAL PANEL

Listen to pros that are utilizing what they preach and have outstanding success doing it

Listen to real agents on the street who are using Social media to enhance their business. Let them tell you how they did it. Not every story is the same but the critical component is this: They took the leap and the rewards are well worth the effort.

30 Technologies You Don't Know About But Should

Discover 30 technology tools that can be seamlessly integrated into your business

Does this really need an explanation? Yes it does, so you'll need to come and hear it.

Becoming the Online Mayor of Your Community

Understand what it means to be the "Online Mayor of your Community"

The end game of all real estate social media strategies. Learn how to put yourself at the online center of your real community. This is market area "farming" and done by the cutting edge elite. Take full advantage of the resources available and create a plan to put yourself in the middle of the flow of information in your market.

Hyper-local Blogging for Business and SEO

Learn how to use Hyper-Local Blogging to land you on the first page of GOOGLE

What is Hyper-local? Why does it matter? How does focusing on hyper-local content give you more qualified leads that are ready to act quicker? Find out how to target your next client by providing the information they are looking for when they are really getting close to buying. Learn the methodology of a newer agent who has leveraged the Internet to become a Mega Producer.

RainCamp™ - "Because the way we do Business has changed!"

About The Speakers:

Ben Kinney, Mega Producer, Keller Williams

Featured: 2008 Realtor Magazines annual "30 under 30", RIS Media "Power Team" report, WCAR Realtor of the Year and Quarter

Bob Stewart, Director of Social Media Strategy, ActiveRain

Bob is responsible for growing and maintaining ActiveRain's vibrant community of real estate professionals. He has been actively involved as a member of ActiveRain from inception. Prior to ActiveRain, Bob was COO of Brio Realty and during his tenure he increased sales volume from zero to over $100 million a year.

Brad Andersohn, Community Manager, ActiveRain

Brad is the all around tech and member support services guru. His focus and goal is to make sure members are getting the most out of the network and community. He spends a great deal of time introducing new products, tools, and services with explanations and tutorials on how to best apply them to your business plans and growth strategies.

Special Guest Speakers, to be announced at each local event.

"You'll walk away from RainCamp™ with successfully tested tools and concepts that you can apply and put into action immediately to increase your business!"

Upcoming RainCamps™

San Francisco - New York

Platinum RainCamp™ Sponsor: Market Leader

"RainMaker" Special - Signup Here and Get New Member Discount

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Lets Say Thanks

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:43:21 -0600

Thanks Ron for the tip !

Via Ron Brown FHA & VA Home Loan Specialist (First Mortgage Company of Washington):

I just received an email from one of my past military borrowers who has a loved one in Iraq. I thought it was a fabulous idea worth sharing with all the good folks on Active Rain.

Xerox is sponsoring a Thank You card drive for the men & women of our armed forces stationed overseas this holiday season. It will only take a minute of your time, and will definitely brighten their day. All you have to do is visit the Lets Say Thanks web site, follow the 3 easy steps (give your name, pick a design, and choose a pre worded thank you message, or create your own), and Xerox will print and deliver the card to one of our troops.

It does not matter what your stance is on our politics, or foreign policy, these people are serving our country, and deserve everyone's support. From a completely selfish standpoint, this is a great way to get in front of your database in a positive way. Who knows, you might just get some business out of being a nice person.

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

RainCamp™ is Coming to New York City January 12th, 2010

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:02:06 -0600

Who is gonna be in NYC in Jan 2010 ? Bob Stewart will be there, will you join him ?

Via Bob Stewart - ActiveRain (ActiveRain):

ActiveRain will be bringing our third RainCamp™ to the Big Apple on Tuesday, January 12th. We have teamed up with the folks at Inman to kick off Real Estate Connect New York City 2010.

Take advantage of the unique opportunity to not only attend RainCamp™ and learn how to implement proven internet marketing strategies, but also to attend Real Estate Connect where the leaders in real estate and real estate technology come together to map out the future of our industry. Get special group pricing through ActiveRain for a chance to attend both events, RainCamp™ and Real Estate Connect.

"What's RainCamp™ All About?"

Hyper Local Blogging: How focusing on things within your city can get you a better client than focusing on your city

Search Engine Optimization: What are the best practices to get your website (yep, your website can still rank well) to rank well in the search engines. And also what tools can you use to get better results out of your site(s).

Converting Leads into Closings: Ben Kinney, one of our speakers and a Mega producing agent with Keller Williams, will share with you the secrets of how his team converts their internet leads into closings. This presentation is worth the price of admission alone as Ben demonstrates the method his team uses to take full advantage of every lead they generate.

Facebook and Twitter: How can you leverage social networks to expand your sphere of influence. The business applications of these two particular networks are exploding at the same time it's a fine balancing act to mine them in a manner that doesn't alienate your followers. We'll help you understand the nuances.

Social Media Success Stories: We'll have agents from around the country explain how they are using their online presence to impact their bottom line. Does this stuff really work? Yes it does and you'll have access to people that are making it work for them.

30 Technologies You Don't Know about but Should: Our resident techno-geek Brad Andersohn will share with you 30 technologies that you can start using the next day that can help organize and bring efficiency to your online life.

"What's the Big Deal?"

Our first RainCamp™ in Seattle was an amazing success and the 250 people in attendance walked away with practical applications they could put to use the next day in their businesses. Knowing that the internet is here to stay and has a profound impact on how you conduct business, making sure that you have concrete means to take advantage of it's power is paramount to staying ahead of your competition. Raincamp™ is eight hours (we give you a lunch break if you want it) chalk full of education intended to help you take full advantage of the powers of the net. Your understanding of the different facets of internet lead generation, lead management, and lead conversion and how they fit into your business plan will ensure that you have a successful 2010 and beyond.

"Could Real Estate Connect Be As Cool?"

It sure is!! ActiveRain has been able to negotiate a fantastic group rate for our members for the Real Estate Connect Conference at the Marriot Marquis in Time Square as well. Real Estate Connect, for those of you that have never attended (since I don't have to tell those of you that have), is the source to keep you in tune with a rapidly evolving real estate industry. No one knows exactly what direction the market will take in 2010, but if there is one constant in this market, that constant is change. Real Estate Connect brings together over 1300 of your peers to help you assess that change and how it will affect your bottom line. The best and brightest minds in the industry make this annual trek to New York City and converge with one goal in mind, determining how to stay ahead of their competition.

Many ActiveRain members will be sharing as in years past.

Linda Davis (Carnac to her fans)
Spencer Rascoff (Zillow)
Matt Goyer (Redfin)
Paul Chaney (Bizzuka)
Mitch Ribak (the eHomes Realty Network)
Tom Ferry (Super Coach extrodinaire)

and a few more before it's all said and done.

The lineup of presenters and speakers is a cross section of the thought leaders from every facet of the real estate industry. Amazing people with amazing talent and ground breaking ideas. If you've never been to a real estate connect, I implore you to work it into your schedule. You will not be disappointed.

"Bob, Shut your mouth.....It can't get BETTER, can it?"

Yes, it can get better and it does. How many of you would love a custom video for your website, blog, or the signature line of your email, or for just about anywhere you can stick a video? We mean a HIGH quality video done by a professional videographer with TurnHere. The videos can focus on a Local neighborhood or community, you as a Realtor®, or even if you're not a Realtor® there is some cool stuff they can do for you too. The Inman team will be giving one of these videos (a $500 value) to the first 50 people that sign up for Real Estate Connect through ActiveRain.

(this is where the guy on the pharmaceutical commercial comes in and rattles on like an auctioneer so fast you can barely understand what he's saying. Luckily we are in print so they call this the 'fine print': Must register for Real Estate Connect before November 30th 2009 and must shoot the video before December 31st, 2009 in order to be eligible for the free custom video)

"This Must Cost One Million Dollars, Right?"

Yes, you are correct. However, since you are an ActiveRain member you are going to receive a $999,331 discount. In fact, when you sign up for Real Estate Connect, you will get access to RainCamp™ as part of your Registration for the Real Estate Connect Conference all for $669.00. This offer will be good until December 15th. (Of course, you'd be crazy to wait that long because you want to be one of the first 50 to jump on this deal so you get the free custom video from TurnHere.)

If you can't make it for the Real Estate Connect Conference and would like to join us for RainCamp™ only, you can register here for $109.00

Do you care what I'm doing and thinking? (I can not for the life of me imagine why) If you do, you can find me on some of these places........but remember, if you are offended by anything you see or hear, I didn't force you to follow me!!:

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Vote for Thea Agnew in the 2009 Operation Rising Star

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:23:15 -0600

If you have not heard, Thea Agnew is competing in the 2009 Operation Rising Star and she needs your help. Please vote for Thea Agnew in the 2009 Operation Rising Star today ! (November 17, 2009)

OK... You ask, what is Operation Rising Star ?

This is a US Army MWR contest like American Idle where the contestants are either in the military or a military spouce. Thea Agnew according to the Operation Rising Star website has moved to the final 6 and the online VOTE is a vital part in her making it to the final 3 in tonights performance. According to the Operation Rising Star Website, YOU can vote as often as you like during the selected voting times listed below. Please take the time to help Thea Agnew make it to the TOP 3 and beyond. Have everyone you know take the time to visit the link below and VOTE for Thea Agnew who is representing Ft. Campbell, Kentucky in the competition.

The voting is open for 2 hours today starting at 1:00 PM CST and again at 8:30 PM CST.

Please click this linke and VOTE for Thea Agnew

The Operation Rising Staris taking place at the Wallace Theater, Fort Belvoir Virginia and can be seen on the Pentagon Channel broadcast.

Calling all Active Rain Members... Thea Agnew is a Active Rain Member and would appreciate all our support !

Please click this linke and VOTE for Thea Agnew

Once you have Voted:

Please comment below to show Thea your support

This girl can sing ! The judges gave her great reviews after her last performance. I was happy to see on the website that Thea was selected for round 2 tonight.

Meet the Judges and Celebrity Guests

UPDATE: November 19,2009 - Finals / Top 3

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Roland's Blog

Find people to add to your Google Wave contact list

New Fannie Mae Automated Underwriting (DU) Eligibility Changes.

Introducing the 2nd Edition of Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

We're Back!Introducing the 2nd Edition of Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

January 4th - 9am until 4pm PST9 Hours, 28 Incredible Speakers, 1000s of Attendees!

It's Free!

In an effort to always improve, we have made some changes to the event format:

We have boosted our goals for the event as well:

We have a new website: www.VirtualBarCamp.com

Introducing the 2nd Edition of Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

We're Back!Introducing the 2nd Edition of Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

January 4th - 9am until 4pm PST9 Hours, 28 Incredible Speakers, 1000s of Attendees!

It's Free!

In an effort to always improve, we have made some changes to the event format:

We have boosted our goals for the event as well:

We have a new website: www.VirtualBarCamp.com

Please Leave! 5 Reason's to Hit the Road when your House is being Shown

The Top Five Things "A Charlie Brown Christmas" Can Teach Us About Real Estate

Inspecting Water Heaters - Part 1

New Ustream Mobile App~ Using this New Technology to Enhance Your Real Estate Business

New Standardized Good Faith Estimate Effective January 1 2010

RainCamp™ Platinum Access Passes & Upcoming Dates

Clarksville Christmas Parade: 2009 Winners

Let's Hope Short Sales Become More Timely

Extreme Makeover Home Edition: Scott Family to air December 6, 2009

Speechless Sunday: Jesus Loves You THIS MUCH !

Jesus Loves You THIS MUCH !

Speechless Sunday: High in the Sky

Digital City opens in Clarksville Tennessee

Sad but True - Suicidal Turkey in Sussex County NJ the day before Thanksgiving

So, I'm adding to my "thankful list" that I wasn't this turkey and that the CRASH wasn't Chip's SUV backing into the garage door (a second time)!

Happy Thanksgiving: Turkey Tips

Grandmama's House of Preschool and Child Development host Thanksgiving play and pot luck dinner

Happy Thanksgiving !

How To Use ScribeFire to Enhance Your ActiveRain Blog Posts

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers

What Is RainCamp™

Platinum RainCamp™ Sponsor: Market Leader

Lets Say Thanks

RainCamp™ is Coming to New York City January 12th, 2010

ActiveRain will be bringing our third RainCamp™ to the Big Apple on Tuesday, January 12th. We have teamed up with the folks at Inman to kick off Real Estate Connect New York City 2010.

"What's RainCamp™ All About?"

"What's the Big Deal?"

"Could Real Estate Connect Be As Cool?"

"Bob, Shut your mouth.....It can't get BETTER, can it?"

"This Must Cost One Million Dollars, Right?"

Vote for Thea Agnew in the 2009 Operation Rising Star

Please click this linke and VOTE for Thea Agnew

Please click this linke and VOTE for Thea Agnew

Meet the Judges and Celebrity Guests

We're Back!
Introducing the 2nd Edition of Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

January 4th - 9am until 4pm PST
9 Hours, 28 Incredible Speakers, 1000s of Attendees!

We're Back!
Introducing the 2nd Edition of Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

January 4th - 9am until 4pm PST
9 Hours, 28 Incredible Speakers, 1000s of Attendees!